Update: Tornado watch affecting the Kansas City area until 1 a.m. Tuesday

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The National Weather Service released an updated tornado watch at 6:48 p.m. on Monday in effect until Tuesday at 1 a.m. The watch is for Johnson, Leavenworth, Wyandotte, Clay, Jackson, Platte, Linn, Miami, Bates, Caldwell, Carroll, Cass, Clinton, Henry, Lafayette, Livingston, Pettis, Ray and Saline counties.

This watch is in effect until Tuesday at 1 a.m.

Tips for finding shelter during a tornado

The NWS emphasizes the importance of acting quickly to stay safe during a tornado. Keep yourself informed about tornado watches and warnings by staying connected to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio.

• If you are indoors: In the event of a tornado warning, seek shelter in your basement, safe room, or an interior room without windows. If possible, bring your pets along with you.
• If you are at your workplace or school: Follow your tornado drill protocol and make your way to the designated tornado shelter area. Maintain a safe distance from windows and avoid seeking refuge in large open rooms like cafeterias, gymnasiums, or auditoriums.
• If you are outside: If a tornado is on its way, seek shelter inside a solid building immediately. Sheds, storage facilities, mobile homes, and tents are not safe places to be.
• If you are in a vehicle: Being inside a vehicle during a tornado is not a safe option. Drive towards the closest shelter. If reaching a safe shelter is not possible, either crouch down in your car and shield your head, or leave your vehicle and find shelter in a ditch or ravine.

Is your emergency kit prepared in case of a tornado?

The Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends keeping the following items in a basic disaster supplies kit:

• Water, one gallon per person for at least three days
• Food, at least a three-day supply
• Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
• Flashlight
• First-aid kit
• Whistle
• Dust mask to filter contaminated air
• Plastic sheeting and duct tape, for shelter purposes
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties
• Manual can opener for food
• Local maps

Source: The National Weather Service

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This story was originally published May 18, 2026 at 6:24 PM.